insignia

American  

[in-sig-nee-uh] / ɪnˈsɪg ni ə /

noun

insigne, insignia, insignias

1. a badge or distinguishing mark of office or honor.

   a military insignia.

2. a distinguishing mark or sign of anything.

   an insignia of mourning.

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insignia British  

/ ɪnˈsɪɡnɪə /

noun

1. a badge or emblem of membership, office, or dignity

2. a distinguishing sign or mark

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Usage

Insignia, originally the plural of Latin insigne, began to be used as a singular in the 18th century, and the plural insignias appeared shortly thereafter. All uses— insignia as a singular or plural and insignias as a plural—are fully standard. The singular insigne still occurs, but insignia is more common.

Etymology

Origin of insignia

1640–50; < Latin, plural of insigne mark, badge, noun use of neuter of insignis distinguished (by a mark); in- ², sign

Example Sentences

Already, German tanks and armored personnel carriers, emblazoned with the military’s black Iron Cross insignia, are training in Lithuania’s Rudninkai forest close to the border with Belarus, Russia’s closest ally.

From The Wall Street Journal

USA House, whose walls bear insignias celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, is expected to be a hub of activity for meetings and other events.

From The Wall Street Journal

He befriended Welsh leader Alex Carlile, who sent him a headed fax, giving Jones the chance to steal the insignia and forge a letter in his name offering him a job.

From BBC

It cited a European source as saying Palestinian representatives had also helped during the previous ceasefire but without wearing PA insignia due to "Israeli sensitivity" over their presence in Gaza.

From BBC

In its first iteration, Maris’ stellate insignia consisted of silver plastic stars from Party City, placed like tears to match the somber music she made at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• badge
• coat of arms
• decoration
• ensign
• paraphernalia
• regalia
• symbol